Issue 7 - 14 March 2001

Boost to cross-disciplinary programs at Gippsland

The Gippsland campus is developing new courses so students can access a broader range of disciplines, according to pro vice-chancellor Professor Brian Mackenzie.

Professor Mackenzie said Gippsland, which offered a range of courses across eight faculties, needed to find ways of collaborating within faculties to develop new programs.

"If we want to appeal to a broader range of students, we have to offer more interdisciplinary programs," he said.

"We need to use our existing strengths rather than merely putting resources into developing completely new courses.

"We're looking at packaging some core subjects unique to certain degrees but including options for students to undertake other subject combinations."

He said Gippsland already had a strong history of offering double degrees at undergraduate level but now wanted to develop more specific courses.

Already on offer for the first time this year is the Bachelor of Sport and Outdoor Recreation/Bachelor of Business and Commerce.

"This course will appeal to those who not only want to pursue careers in sport and outdoor education but also wish to work in marketing or management of sport," Professor Mackenzie said.

Another course being developed at the postgraduate level is the Master in Techno-entrepreneurship, which crosses over the faculties of Engineering and Business and Economics.

"The course will provide students with the technical knowledge and business skills they need to become players in the new economy," he said.

"Graduates from this course will have a set of general skills that can be applied anywhere but which are particularly relevant to the Gippsland region, where expertise is needed to boost its entrepreneurial activity."

Gippsland's School of Nursing and the School of Rural Health are also developing the combined Bachelor of Nursing/Bachelor of Rural Health Practice.

"This course will provide a much broader range of skills than the existing well-regarded nursing course. This will help meet the demands on health workers in regional Australia," he said.

He said other proposals for interdisciplinary programs would be included in Gippsland's first academic plan, to be submitted soon to the Vice-Chancellor's Group and the Academic Board.

Lounging about for MAPS Comedian Rod Quantock has launched the new Mature Age and Part-time Students (MAPS) lounge in the Campus Centre at Clayton. Quantock kept his audience amused with jokes about mature-aged students and his own university days. More than 4000 mature-aged and part-time students can now use the new space, which is fitted out with kitchen facilities and a quiet study area with networked and stand-alone PCs and printers. The MAPS divisional support officer will also be available to provide information, referrals to services and research support. (Left to right) MAPS committee members Ms Rita Moore, Ms Lisette Malanina, Ms Khrystene Dalecki and Mr Hamish Clark give comedian Mr Rod Quantock a boost.

Monash Club for Malaysian students

About 150 Malaysian secondary school students recently attended the launch of the Monash Club, a Monash Malaysia transition program.

The club aims to help secondary students get an early introduction to university life.

Monash Malaysia pro vice-chancellor Professor Bob Bignall said he hoped the Monash Club would motivate the students to pursue a Monash degree.

"The club will also help secondary school students understand what it is like to study at university," he said.

Monash Club coordinator Ms Ivy Cheong said members could take part in educational and other activities, including workshops and field trips with Monash students.

"These activities are designed to help foster buddy relationships between members and current Monash students to provide a natural transition for secondary students who hope to join the university," she said.

Ms Cheong said the students would also receive the Monash Club Magazine, which included articles to help them with their studies and exams, as well as profiles of current uni students and graduates.

For more information, visit www.monash.edu.my/monashclub/monashclub.htm

Images of Japan on display Japanese Consul-General Mr Kage-Fumi Ueno has opened the Faculty of Art and Design Gallery's latest exhibition, The Beauty of Japan Photographed. More than 200 people attended the opening of the exhibition, which features photographs by Yoshio Watanabe, Ken Domon and Yasuhiro Ishimoto. Watanabe Yoshio was the first photographer to receive permission to take pictures of the inner parts of Japan's culturally significant Ise Shrine in 1953. The exhibition includes works highlighting the architecture of the shrine, taken during that shoot and a subsequent visit in 1973. Ken Domon's work focuses on Japan's landscapes and images of art from ancient temples, and features striking close-ups and attention to detail. Yasuhiro Ishimoto's photographs depict the clean lines and arrangements of Japanese buildings and teahouses. The exhibition runs until 15 March. Inquiries: extn 32882.

Work guarantee for interns

Eight first-year business students at Gippsland campus have begun their studies knowing they have a job on graduation.

Under the new internship program, which aims to keep high-achieving students in the region, local employers provide part-time work for the interns during their studies, followed by at least 12 months of full-time employment after graduation.

The students also receive a $1000 textbook allowance from their new employers in each year of their studies.

Latrobe Personnel chief executive officer Mr Keith Lovell said he was pleased with the outcome of the program.

"It is a genuine example of cooperation between education and industry. Our student, Justin Mackenzie, has already started work with us and we're looking forward to the development of his skills and career over the next few years," he said.

Student Mr Geoffrey Camilleri, now working with accounting firm Stockfords, said the internship program was an excellent initiative to keep students in Gippsland.

"I now have a great opportunity to develop my career with Stockfords and with Monash, as well as a $1000 a year allowance, part-time work and valuable experience," Mr Camilleri said.

Other employers involved include Latrobe City, Gippsland Water, and Sage Computer Support.

Pro vice-chancellor Professor Brian Mackenzie said he was delighted at the program's success and hoped to expand it to include a wider range of Gippsland businesses.

Anyone who would like to discuss the possibilities for future involvement in the Gippsland Internship Program should contact Mr Mark Edmondson on (03) 5122 6214.

(Back row from left) Pro vice-chancellor Professor Brian Mackenzie,students Stephen James, Geoffrey Camilleri, Justin Mackenzie and PeterDeGuara, and Faculty of Business and Economics deputy head Mr Kent Farrell. (Front row from left) Students David Bourke, Tracey Wirken, Christopher Repetowski and Cassie Sheldon.

UCollect the records

Monash staff now have access to a powerful records management software tool called UCollect.

Records and Archives Services records manager Mr Steven De Wit said the software can be installed on staff desktop PCs and used to manage any type of information, including files, correspondence, maps, plans, images, drawings, books and electronic documents.

He said the software would be used in conjunction with the Monash Structured Keyword Classification Scheme, which uses terms specifically related to the university's business.

"This makes UCollect easy to use - faculties, centres, schools and departments can tailor the software to their own business needs," Mr De Wit said.

The software would also enable quick and easy identification and retrieval of business records maintained by work groups for joint use.

Records and Archives Services can work with staff to develop practical solutions for their record-keeping needs. For more information, call extn 52084.

Social activist to speak at breakfast

Baptist minister and social welfare campaigner Reverend Tim Costello will be guest speaker at a breakfast on 30 March.

Staff are invited to the breakfast to hear Reverend Costello speak on the subject "What does a good society look like?".

Deputy vice-chancellor Professor Peter Darvall will act as MC at the event, which has been organised by the Administrative Staff Support Network (ASSN).

Staff attending the breakfast will also have the chance to win a return flight for two to Brisbane/Gold Coast.

The event will be held from 7.30 am to 9 am in the Banquet Room, Campus Centre, Clayton. Cost is $25 per person, to be paid by Friday 23 March.

Inquiries: Bev.Olbrich@general.monash.edu.au or extn 54118.

Gallery experience for budding artists

The Link Space gallery at Caulfield campus has become Monash's first student-run artist space.

The Monash Art and Design Society (MADSOC) has taken over the Link Space, previously run by the Faculty Gallery.

MADSOC president Ms Rebecca Guest said students from the Art and Design faculty would now be able to gain experience running a gallery, including curating, arranging publicity and taking bookings for exhibitions.

The first exhibition in the Link Space will be A4, which will feature A4-sized works including paintings, drawings, sculpture, tapestry, ceramics and glass.

A4 will open on 14 March at 6pm and be on show until 5 May.

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